BAGNAIA EXTENDS DUCATI CONTRACT

Ahead of the 2022 MotoGP season commencing, Francesco Bagnaia has re-signed with the factory Ducati Corse squad until 2024.

The Italian has signed with the Italian manufacturer after he finished as the 2022 MotoGP runner-up last year while Ducati Corse won the Teams’ Championship.

His teammate Australian Jack Miller is yet to sign with Ducati and has several youngsters including Jorge Martin and Enea Bastianini knocking at the door attempting to grab his seat.

Last year Bagnaia won four of the final six races and goes into the 2022 season as one of the title favourites.

It was a breakout year for Bagnaia last year after injuries curtailed his first season with the factory team in 2020.

“Being a Ducati rider in MotoGP has always been my dream, and knowing that I can continue with the Ducati Lenovo Team for another two seasons makes me happy and proud,” he said.

“I have found a serene environment in the factory team: I feel very much in tune with my team and know that we can do great things together.

“Now I can only concentrate on doing well in this Championship. A big thank you to Claudio, Gigi, Paolo, Davide and all the Ducati Corse staff. I’ll try to repay their trust with my results on the track!”

Ducati Corse general manager Luigi (Gigi) Dall’Igna expressed how talented Bagnaia is explaining how it was a no-brainer to re-sign the 25-year-old.

“We are delighted to have Bagnaia with us for another two seasons,” he said.

“Since he arrived at Ducati in 2019, Pecco has shown great talent and the ability to interpret our Desmosedici GP very well, adapting to ride it in any condition.

“He did it, especially in the last season, during which he had significant growth and got to play for the World Title.

“The way he managed the races at Aragon, Misano, Portimao and Valencia, scoring four fantastic victories, is proof of his maturity as a rider. With these great qualities, we are sure that he has the potential to aim for the title with us.”

In 2022 Bagnaia scored four wins, nine podiums and a total of six pole positions.

The new MotoGP season commences on March 6 at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar.

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